Eastern Star members bring music to Vista Continuing Care

Peggy and Teal

Published 7:00 pm, Saturday, October 19, 2002

At the September party, special entertainment was provided by the Silver Star Tap Dancers. They danced to several tunes and between each number, the group changed costumes. The audience also got into the act by swaying to the music, and a few even got up to dance. The Tap Dancers enjoy going to the different area nursing homes and senior organizations to entertain and if you would like them to entertain your group, call Jackie at (713) 946-3755.

Eastern Star member and co-chairman of the parties Tommie Thompson even danced with the residents. This group really seems to enjoy giving this party each month.

Doesn't it make you angry when you see what seems like a perfectly healthy person parking in a handicap parking spot? You probably are doing the right thing and parking in the middle of the parking lot.

Once again the Triad meeting talked about handicap parking spaces. Twenty voluntary members of the Citizens Police Academy Alumni are now giving out citations. Fines will be $25 to $250 and after the first violation, the ticket will increase.

Triad Chairman Bob Scanlon also discussed reducing carjacking risk. When entering your vehicle you should have your key ready to enter your car, and check around and inside before getting in. Drive with all doors locked and windows up. When pulling up behind another vehicle at a stoplight or sign, leave enough space in front of your car for an emergency escape, if needed.

Did you know that over 1,000 arrests are made each year for drinking and driving? Because of the video cameras in police cars, 90 to 95 percent of those arrested are found guilty in court. The officers are well trained in determining driving under the influence. It was recommended that diabetics should have medical ID as they can sometimes be wrongly arrested for this offense.

Mail and phone scams have risen by 27 percent this year, and seniors are usually the targets. Never give your social security to anyone that calls you or on the Internet.

The Silver Sleuth Program of the Better Business Bureau Education Foundation will bring the East Harris County Senior Fraud Expo to East Harris County Activity Center on Oct. 30, 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. Learn how to protect your identity, stop mailbox bandits, run scams out-of-town and protect yourself from financial exploitation. There is free admission, door prizes and refreshments.

If you would like to meet with other seniors and police officers, come to the next Triad meeting. The group meets tomorrow at Madison Jobe, and the meeting starts at 10:30 a.m. For more information, call Bob at (713) 475-9144.

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Seventy-seven Bayshore Senior Friends met at Golden Corral to enjoy the monthly breakfast buffet. We all left a little heavier than we came because it is very hard to pass up those delicious omelets, bacon, sausage and sweet rolls. It would be nice to meet there once a week instead of once a month, but then we wouldn't be able to fit in our clothes.

After the breakfast, members drive to the new Friends office at Bayshore Medical Center to play games.

There is more to Friends than just eating out. They have many educational programs, trips, support groups and exercise classes. On Oct. 28, at 10 a.m. the group will meet at East Harris County Activity Center to hear Dr. Nola Bray speak on "Diabetes and the Elderly."

Be sure and mark Nov. 13 on your calendar if you would like to hear about "Today's Solution for Tomorrows Needs." It will be a discussion on your options with nursing homes, assisted living, or home care. On Nov. 9, there will be a free diabetes education symposium. For more information, call (713) 359-1213.

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East Harris County gave out flu shots on Oct. 9, to 363 seniors in just three hours. Stacey Bush, assistant senior coordinator, is a very organized person, and it shows in everything she is involved in. Tickets were given to everyone as you entered so the shots could be given in an orderly fashion. Shots were given by the Methodist Visiting Nurse Association of Houston. Seniors with Medicare Care cards received the flu, and pneumonia shots free of charge.